We hope that our students learn to lead as much of the service as they are capable of. We require them to chant the Haftarah and its blessings, as well as read the maftir portion of the Torah reading. Individual students may choose to read additional Torah portions and to lead the congregation in parts of the service. Our b'nai mitzvah teacher will help each student set goals based on the student's ability and desire. We do place special emphasis on the mastering of the fundamental skills so that the student will be fully prepared to enter the community and participate fully in Jewish communal life.

Two-three months prior to the bar/bat mitzvah date, the student will begin weekly meetings with the rabbi to study their Torah portion and to develop the dâvar torah, the speech given on the day of the bar/bat mitzvah.

Rehearsal for the bar/bat mitzvah takes place during the week of the event, usually on a Thursday afternoon. The student practises chanting from the same Torah scroll that will be in use on Shabbat. Family members who may be participating in the service by chanting from the Torah are welcome to attend and practice as well.